In a remarkable feat, 43-year-old Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna has defied knee issues to secure the top spot in the world doubles rankings. Partnering with Australian Matthew Ebden, Bopanna achieved this milestone after reaching the Australian Open semi-finals, where they defeated the Argentine pair of Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni with a score of 6-4, 7-6(5).
Bopanna’s resilient performance not only solidifies his position as the oldest player to reach the number one spot but also marks another milestone in his illustrious career. Last year, he became the oldest ATP Masters 1000 champion when he clinched the Indian Wells doubles title with Ebden. Subsequently, he also became the oldest player to win a match at the ATP Finals.
The Indian tennis veteran, who humorously attributes his success to the coffee from his plantation in Coorg, emphasized the importance of recovery and tailored training to his longevity. With worn-out knees and no cartilage, Bopanna acknowledged the need to focus on optimizing training for peak performance during matches.
Bopanna and Ebden, who joined forces after both were without partners at the end of 2022, have formed a successful partnership. They secured titles in Doha and Indian Wells, reaching the finals in Rotterdam, Madrid, the U.S. Open, Shanghai, Paris, and Adelaide. Their consistent performance and mental strength have played a pivotal role in their success.
Expressing his commitment to staying fit during matches, Bopanna highlighted the importance of mental fortitude in overcoming challenges. The duo’s next challenge is against Zhang Zhizhen and Tomas Machac as they continue to defy age and expectations in the world of doubles tennis.
